ధర్మానికి పోతే కర్మం చుట్టుకున్నట్టు

dharmaniki pote karmam chuttukunnattu

Translation

When one went to do a righteous deed, a misfortune wrapped around them.

Meaning

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone tries to do a good deed or help others, but instead of receiving gratitude or success, they end up getting into trouble or facing negative consequences themselves.

Related Phrases

What was found on the road was spent on charity

This expression is used to describe money or resources that were acquired easily (without effort) and were subsequently lost or spent just as easily. It conveys the idea of 'Easy come, easy go'—implying that one doesn't feel much regret over losing something they didn't work hard to earn.

As if the existing karma wasn't enough, bringing upon an 'upakarma' (secondary ritual/trouble).

This proverb is used to describe a situation where a person who is already overwhelmed with existing problems or responsibilities unnecessarily takes on more burdens, making their life even more difficult. It's similar to the English expression 'out of the frying pan into the fire' or 'adding fuel to the fire', specifically focusing on self-inflicted additional troubles.

Will the fate that has arrived leave just because you say you don't want it?

This proverb is used to emphasize that one must face the consequences of their past actions or inevitable destiny. It suggests that once a difficult situation or the result of one's karma arrives, it cannot be avoided or escaped simply by wishing it away; it must be endured.

When a boy was born by the virtue of a dancer, the anklets were found by the virtue of a silver-smith.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where one person's hard work or merit results in a success, but another person tries to take the credit for the associated benefits or accessories. It highlights the irony of misplaced gratitude or credit-seeking.

When one went to do a good deed, bad fate/karma coiled around them.

This expression is used when someone tries to help others or do something virtuous, but ends up facing unexpected trouble or negative consequences as a result of their kindness. It is similar to the English saying, 'No good deed goes unpunished.'

Like calling a passerby named Danayya and getting beaten up.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone unnecessarily involves themselves in someone else's business or a random situation, only to end up facing negative consequences or trouble that they could have easily avoided.

Even if you bathe in the Narmada river, your karma cannot be escaped.

This proverb emphasizes that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions (karma) simply by performing religious rituals or taking holy dips in sacred rivers. It is used to suggest that fate or the results of one's past deeds are inevitable and must be faced regardless of external purification acts.

While imaginations rule villages, fate is carrying bundles of firewood.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone has grand dreams or high aspirations, but their actual reality or destiny remains miserable and full of hard labor. It highlights the stark contrast between one's fantasies and their practical circumstances.

Virtue protects the head. The reward of virtue in this life is protection from evil.

This proverb means that one's righteous deeds and moral conduct will act as a shield and save them from danger or misfortune in critical times. It is used to encourage ethical behavior, suggesting that being good eventually leads to being protected by one's own karma.

Even if you go to Kashi, your karma will not leave you.

This proverb emphasizes that one cannot escape their destiny or the consequences of their past actions simply by changing their location or visiting holy places. It is used to suggest that fate is inevitable regardless of external efforts to avoid it.